Newsletter 1st September 2023
Dear Friends
While serving at the Minsterley Show, I saw a woman across a crowded tea tent who I instantly recognized. I remembered all kinds of details about her (where she works, where she lives, which church she worships at, how I first met her) but despite squeezing my brain as hard as I could, I could not remember her name. She didn’t approach the Minsterley refreshment table, so I avoided the embarrassment of having a conversation with her without her name to hand. Sure enough, the name came to me as I drove home past her house on my way home. But my question is: what constitutes our identity? Do we feel better known by someone who remembers our name or by someone who knows how many children we have, why Thursdays is often a difficult day for us, and that we play the trumpet to a high standard?
I take encouragement from the Bible’s assurance that the Good Shepherd knows His sheep by name, and yet at the same time we have a Father who knows every hair on our heads.
Derek Ditchfield
Derek’s funeral will take place at Holy Trinity Minsterley on Thursday September 14th at 2 p.m. followed by a celebration at Minsterley Parish Hall. All are welcome to attend and are encouraged to wear bright colours.
Garden Service
Please make a note in your diaries that there will be a joint service with the Congregationalists and Methodists on Sunday September 10th at 3 p.m. at Pontesbury Congregational Church (a garden service). Many thanks to Ruth, Claire and Barbara for their kind contribution to this service.
Wellbeing Bus
The Wellbeing Bus operated by Shropshire Mental Health Support is coming to Pontesbury on Monday morning from 9.30 a.m. The Bus will park outside the church and will welcome anyone on board who has any concerns or questions about their own mental health or that of a friend or family member. The bus functions as a mobile drop-in centre. Please do pass the message on to anyone who might benefit from it.
Harvest
This year we are making the focus of our harvest celebrations support for the farming community. Our harvest appeal is for RABI (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution) who support farmers through difficult times.
Recycling Event
Pontesbury Congregational Church is hosting a recycling event for children’s clothes and equipment on Saturday Sept 9th from 10-12 noon. Anyone who has items to donate or needs clothes or equipment is welcome to come along.
Sponsored Walk
A number of us are undertaking a sponsored walk on Saturday September 23rd of approximately 17 miles beginning in Leighton and entailing 2,500 feet of ascent before eventually finishing in Westbury. Please contact Greg or David Young if you would like to join us. It is perfectly possible to do just a few miles of relatively flat walking rather than the whole course. There are sponsor forms in each church. 50% of funds raised will go to the church of your choice, while 50% will go to Shropshire Historic Churches Trust. You can also use the following Just Giving link to sponsor Minsterley. https://www.justgiving.com/page/sarah-edwards-1692548711712
Minsterley Prayer
A prayer evening for the Parish of Minsterley will be held on Monday 25th September at 7 p.m. More details to follow, but please put this date in your diary and come along.
Holidays
Please note that Richard, Claire, and family are on holiday until the end of August. Please allow them space for family time.
Songs of Praise
The next Songs of Praise service hosted by Pontesbury Baptist Church will take place on Sunday September 3rd at 6.30 p.m. All are warmly welcomed to attend. They are keen to have hymn nominations. If you would like to sing a favourite hymn, please let Mike Wells or Greg know.
Hereford Cathedral
Chirbury Group has organised a coach trip to Hereford Cathedral on Tuesday September 5th at a cost of £15 for an organ recital and tour of the building. A poster is attached with further details.
Tea Service
Our monthly Tea Service (a short service of Holy Communion followed by Tea & Cake) takes place this Tuesday at 2.30 p.m. at St George’s in the WER.
Congratulations
To St George’s on being awarded Silver Eco-church status. We will celebrate this when Kirsty Stevens from Caring for God’s Acre comes to speak at the service on Sept 24th.
Safeguarding Officer for Stiperstones
As of 1st September, Erin Hawkin is the new Parish Safeguarding Officer for the Stiperstones benefice. Erin may be contacted with any concerns or questions at safeguardinghtm@gmail.com
We are incredibly grateful to Pam who has so wonderfully fulfilled this role over many years. She has well earned her retirement from this role (although not yet from others!)
Calendar for the Week
Fri 1st
Prayer at Holy Trinity Minsterley at 9 a.m.
Coffee at St George’s 10-12
Sat 2nd
BBQ at the New Vicarage, Minsterley at 6 p.m.
Sun 3rd
Holy Communion at Shelve at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Minsterley at 10.30 a.m.
Morning Worship at Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m.
Evensong at Habberley at 5 p.m.
Songs of Praise at Pontesbury Baptist Church at 6.30 p.m.
Mon 4th
Wellbeing Bus in Pontesbury from 9.30-1 p.m.
Tues 5th
Foodbank at HTM 10-12
Oasis Team Meeting at Minsterley Methodist Chapel at 12 noon
Tea Service at 2.30 p.m. at St George’s
Ichthus at 2.30 p.m.
Weds 6th
Café at HTM 10-12
Dragons & Tots meeting at 10 a.m. at St George’s
Pontesbury PCC at 7 p.m.
Sat 9th
Recycling Event at Pontesbury Congregational Church from 10-12
Habberley Produce Show 2-4 p.m.
Sun 10th
Holy Communion at Hope at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Minsterley & Pontesbury at 10.30
Morning Praise at Habberley at 10.30 a.m.
Garden Service at Pontesbury Congs at 3 p.m.
